Some places are located beyond the maps, and in your hearts! Chandratal Lake is one of those places on almost every traveler’s bucket list.
It is a crescent-shaped lake reflected in the sky, and is full of natural beauty. People who plan their Spiti tour packages will never miss out Chandratal Lake - one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spiti Valley, for the people who dare to wander beyond imagination.
Honestly? No photo, no travel story, and no vlog can truly capture what it feels like when the first glimpse of that shimmering blue water hits you. It's the kind of beauty that makes you forget to reach for your phone! If you’ve ever felt like the mountains are calling, Chandratal might just be the place they want you to find.
Chandratal Lake Spiti Highlights
- Height: 4,250 meters
- Location: 4,300 Meters in the Lahaul and Spiti district and 6 Km from Kunzum Pass
- Chandratal Meaning: It got its name because of its crescent shape - also translates to “Moon Lake”.
- Chandratal Lake mystery: It keeps changing its colors throughout the day - from shades of blue to green to deep aquamarine.
- Things to do: Camping, Trekking, Photography, relaxing
- Opening month: June
- Chandratal Lake to Manali distance: 586 Kilometers
How to Reach Chandratal Lake Spiti?
As we all know, there are two routes to Spiti for a road trip. The first and famous one is - Manali route, and the other one is through Shimla, coming through Sangla and Chitkul.
This route, beginning from Delhi, leads to Narkanda and goes through Kalpa and taking a stop at Kaza. This way goes through Nako village, Gue village, which are some of the famous remote villages in Spiti, famous for their lake and mummy, respectively. Also, the travelers should come from Shimla to Kinnaur and then head towards Spiti Valley. And on the second last day, you can visit the Chandratal lake as it is at a very high altitude.
This one is comparatively shorter from the Shimla route and can be the best option for you. Taking a small journey and passing through Mandi, Kullu, Rohtang La, Battal, Gramphoo and finally coming to the Chandatal Lake.
If you are traveling by public transport, two buses follow these two routes, and you can opt for anyone.
Manali to Chandratal: As the Manali to Chandratal Lake distance is around 580 Kilometers, you can have access to these buses which go from Kullu to Spiti. This bus starts from Kullu at 4:30 AM and takes you to Manali, costing INR 250 per person.
Shimla to Chandratal: So, there are two non-ac buses that go from Shimla to Kinnaur (Reckong Peo). Once you reach here, you can board a HRTC bus at 7: 00 AM and reach Kaza. From Kaza, you can board a bus for Manali and get down at the Chandratal lake diversion point.
- Road Conditions in Spiti Valley
When you divert off the Manali-Leh highway, the road conditions get unfavorable for the travelers. The track that goes from Gramphu to Batal is just a rough and dirty route with so many water crossings throughout the way. There are no severe road improvements even in the Kaza-Chandratal route and see some of the troublesome spots in the entire route.
So, if you want to explore the whole Spiti, take notes of the road conditions in Spiti Valley and how you can tackle it especially through Spiti Valley bike trip.
What is The Best Time to Visit Chandratal Lake?
The best time to visit Chandratal Lake Spiti is during summer. June to September is the ideal time to take your trip to the beautiful Chandratal Lake. And, the entire way gets blocked down in winter due to heavy snowfall.
You can reach here by trekking the 14-kilometer-long road from Batal. So, make sure you are coming here in summer to enjoy the views, scenic beauty and the beautiful vibe of this place.
From January to April, the Himalayas experience the peak winter, with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. Getting to Chandratal Lake during this time of year can be difficult, as roads are frequently closed due to snow. However, for those brave enough to brave the cold, the rewards are extraordinary.
Summer in the Himalayas arrives in May and June, and Chandratal Lake comes alive with vibrant colours and pleasant weather. The snow from the winter months begins to melt, and the landscape changes dramatically. The lake, which is usually frozen in the winter, begins to thaw, revealing its crystal-clear blue waters that mirror the surrounding peaks and sky.
One of the most appealing aspects of visiting Chandratal Lake in the summer is its accessibility and ease of access. Roads that may have been closed due to snow during the winter months become accessible, allowing travellers to reach the lake without difficulty.
Suggested Read: Spiti Valley In Winter: The Complete Travel Guide
The Himalayan monsoon season, which typically lasts from July to September, brings a burst of life to the region surrounding Chandratal Lake. As the rains nourish the land and fill the lake, the once dry and barren landscape transforms into a lush green paradise. The clouds play hide and seek with the peaks, creating a mystical atmosphere that is a sensory delight.
With the arrival of winter, Chandratal Lake undergoes a dramatic transformation as the summer season comes to an end. The temperature begins to drop, and the region is blanketed in snow, creating a magical and serene atmosphere straight out of a fairy tale.
The winter season also makes it the best time to visit Spiti Valley for adventurers to participate in winter sports at Chandratal Lake. The frozen lake is perfect for ice skating, and the snow-capped slopes encircling it are ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The amalgamation of fresh and pure winter air, breathtaking views, and the thrill of winter sports creates an unforgettable experience for thrill seekers.
Things To Do At Chandratal Lake
There are a plethora of things which one can do when at Chandratal Lake, some of the best things you can do when at the lake are as follows:
1. Camping: Chandratal lake camping is one of the most unique experiences and one of the best things to do in Spiti Valley. One can set up their tent near the lake and spend the night under the star-spangled sky, surrounded by the magnificent Himalayan peaks. Camping at Chandratal Lake allows you to reconnect with nature while also enjoying the peace and quiet of the location.
2. Trekking: Chandratal Lake Trek is a world-renowned trekking destination. You can start your journey from Batal, the nearest roadhead, and walk for 8-10 kilometres to reach Chandratal Lake. The trek traverses through scenic landscapes, which include alpine meadows, rugged terrain, and high mountain passes, providing an unparalleled adventure.
3. Photography: Photographers will love Chandratal Lake. The pristine blue waters, snow-capped peaks, and changing hues of the lake at different times of day provide ample photographic opportunities. Capture the breathtaking scenery and make memories that will last a lifetime.
4. Exploring The Wildlife: The Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is near the Chandratal Lake and is abode to a plethora of Himalayan wildlife species which can be explored during your visit to the lake. If you’re lucky enough, during your visit to Chandratal Lake and the wildlife sanctuary, you might be able to spot Himalayan marmots, Himalayan snow leopards, and a myriad of other bird species.
With this, we come to the end of the list of the best things to do at Chandratal Lake. As we mentioned above, the lake is situated in a remote area with unpredictable weather conditions. Therefore, it becomes important to carry all the necessary equipment, so scroll down and check out everything that you must carry with you while travelling to Chandratal Lake.
Things To Carry While Travelling To Chandratal Lake
1. Warm Clothing: Chandratal Lake is a high-altitude lake with unpredictable weather where temperatures can drop to sub-zero levels at any point in time, especially during the night. Therefore, it is advisable to carry warm clothing such as thermal layers, a good quality waterproof jacket, gloves, a hat and warm socks for a comfortable sojourn at Chandratal Lake.
2. Medications: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or need specific medications, keep an adequate supply of your prescription medications on hand, as well as a basic first aid kit. High-altitude environments can be hazardous to your health, so consult your doctor before going and pack accordingly.
3. Camping Gear: Carry camping essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag, camping stove and utensils if you intend to camp at Chandratal Lake. Keep in mind that the lake’s facilities may be basic, so plan on a rustic camping experience.
4. Trekking Gear: It is essential to carry proper trekking equipment, including sturdy boots, trekking poles, a backpack and a headlamp with extra batteries if you intend to trek to Chandratal Lake. Having this equipment will ensure your comfort and safety during the trek.
5. Sun Protection: Chandratal Lake’s high elevation results in more exposure to the sun, which can be damaging to your skin. Carry and use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with a wide brim to shield yourself from UV rays.
With this, we come to the end of our Chandratal Lake Travel Guide, the lake is a one-of-a-kind marvel that must be visited by one and all. The Chandratal Lake offers a unique and enchanting experience, which for sure will make a place in your heart, making it a must-visit for photographers, nature lovers, trekkers, and adventurers. So, pack your bags and start your journey to Chandratal Lake for an experience worth a lifetime.
